Part 3/6:
Isaac argues that the decline of Númenor can be traced back to a deep-seated aversion to death, initiated not with Ar-Pharazôn but long before during the reign of Tar-Atnir, a king who began to challenge the notion of mortality. Over time, this existential dread led to a significant divide between Númenor and the Undying Lands. The Valar's messengers, who were sent to advise the king, were largely ignored, setting in motion the chain of events that would see Númenor drift further away from what they deemed divine guidance.
The eagle is often seen as a divine messenger, relaying the intentions of the Valar. However, if the connection is severed due to Númenor’s own choices, the very idea of an eagle appearing in a contentious royal moment becomes paradoxical.